Newstalk Breakfast

370,000 adults in Ireland have pursued a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot – that's according to a survey out today by Pure Telecom. But why would anyone even consider this? All to discuss with Leslie Shoemaker, Counselling Psychologist and Lecturer in TU Dublin.

Duration:00:06:05

Tánaiste Simon Harris on new tariff arrangement comes into effect

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, has this morning said that the new tariff arrangement between the United States and the European Union has now commenced. Tánaiste Simon Harris spoke to Newstalk Breakfast with more on this.

Duration:00:08:38

Police investigating the death of Martha Nolan O'Slattara in the US

Police investigating the death of Irish fashion designer Martha Nolan O'Slattara aboard a yacht in New York have said an autopsy conducted on the Carlow native's body "did not show evidence of violence". For more on this we heard from Emma Hickey, Reporter with The Journal.

Duration:00:03:51

A call for Israelis to take a stand against Netanyahu

There have been calls for Israelis to stage non-violent protests and civil disobedience against Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to take over Gaza. The Israeli Cabinet is due to discuss military plans for Gaza with other ministers later today. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is one of those calling for Israelis to take a stand against Netanyahu.

Duration:00:07:30

Are women pressured into breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is so often portrayed as natural and instinctive but for many mothers, the reality is far more complex and painful. That’s according to Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett, Author and Journalist who spoke to Newstalk Breakfast.

Duration:00:08:21

France is facing its biggest wildfire of the summer

France is facing its biggest wildfire of the summer, with one person confirmed dead as flames tear through the southern Aude region.The fire remains highly active and is spreading quickly, forcing residents and tourists to evacuate. We get the latest on the fires with Elaine Cobb, Paris Based Journalist.

Duration:00:04:39

How Helsinki in Finland has had no road deaths in the past year

Helsinki hasn’t registered a single traffic-related fatality in the past year, municipal officials have revealed. Could Ireland and its cities ever achieve the same? Speaking to Shane to discuss further was Roni Utriainen, Traffic engineer in Helsinki.

Duration:00:05:06

President Trump is expected to meet with Russian President

President Donald Trump is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin as early as next week, according to The New York Times. The news comes after a U.S. envoy visited Moscow for talks yesterday. For more on this we heard from Dr. Jenny Mathers from the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University.

Duration:00:05:49

How can you make your phone as unaddictive as possible!

Phone addictions continue to rise amongst all ages – and many people find themselves trying to figure out how to cut down screentime without completely cutting themselves off from technology. Helen Coffey, Senior features writer for the Independent, has the tips.

Duration:00:07:52

Do we need to start getting ready for increased social spending?

Ireland’s public finances are benefitting from a young population and a strong economy. But it’s important to start preparing the coffers for an older population and more pension. That’s according to the latest report from IFAC, and we heard from Niall Conroy, Author of the report and Acting Chief Economist of IFAC.

Duration:00:05:48

Talks continue to rescue Gena Heraty in Haiti

The family of Irish charity worker Gena Heraty, who was among eight people kidnapped from an orphanage in Haiti, have asked people to keep the group “in your hearts” as they asked for discretion. Dr Louise Ivers, Professor of Medicine and former Chief of the Mission for Partners in Health in Haiti, who is friends with Gena spoke to Ciara this morning.

Duration:00:07:21

Wednesday Riff: Phone addictions are we getting better or worse?

Phone addictions, are we getting better or worse? Ciara and Shane discussed this morning.

Duration:00:03:29

Is a carbon free fee something that’s likely to become standard?

A London restaurant has sparked outrage after surreptitiously adding an extra charge to diners' bills. Dubbed the 'carbon free' fee which it says will help 'offset the environmental impact of meals'. Is this type of charge something that’s likely to become standard? All to discuss with John Gibbons, Environmental Journalist and author of the forthcoming book “The Lie of the Land”.

Duration:00:08:58

How parents are coping with the pressures of back to school costs

More than half of parents say they are worried about meeting back-to-school costs this year. A new survey by Barnardos has found only one third of secondary school parents said that costs were manageable. Our reporter Josh Crosbie has been meeting with parents to hear how costly this time of year is for them.

Duration:00:05:21

Summer is the perfect time for a utility bill switch!

Summer is a great time to examine our utility bills and service providers. We all want to save money, and while the bills are low, this is our opportunity. So wrote Caitriona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Examiner and she explained all to Ciara this morning.

Duration:00:05:02

Israel’s cabinet to decide on Gaza military takeover

The Israeli cabinet is set to meet to consider Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plan for a full military takeover of Gaza, a move not seen in two decades. Ciara gets the latest on the situation there with Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist.

Duration:00:06:22

Love Island 2025 did this year’s season exceed expectations?

The final of Love Island was on last night, with Toni Laites and Cach Mercer taking the fifty-thousand-pound prize. The iconic reality show has seen a dip in popularity in recent years. But did this year’s season exceed expectations? All to discuss with Fionnuala Jones, Broadcaster, podcaster and self-confessed Love Island expert.

Duration:00:04:33

The latest on the kidnapping of Mayo woman Gena Heraty in Haiti

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris TD, has held talks overnight with his Haitian counterpart about the kidnapping of Mayo woman Gena Heraty. For the latest on this was Liz Dunphy, journalist with the Irish Examiner.

Duration:00:04:56

New plans for extreme weather response

The Government is set to consider a major overhaul of its response to flooding and extreme weather emergencies, including plans to establish permanent flood relief centres across key regional locations. We discuss further with Climatologist and Professor Emeritus of Geography at Maynooth University, John Sweeney.

Duration:00:05:42

Israeli security veterans urge Trump to help stop the Gaza war